Manchester United boss Eric ten Hag is reportedly plotting a sensational raid on Spain in the January window amid claims the asking price for a top-drawer attacking talent has dramatically fallen.
The Red Devils boss spent around £216m over the summer during the first wave of his Manchester United squad rebuild. Six players were brought in, with hefty fees paid out for Casemiro (£70m), Antony (£85m) and Lisandro Martinez (£56.7m).
However, Ten Hag knows he still needs further additions with some key decisions to make with his side.
the United manager is keen to sign a new right-back to add cover and competition for Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese star has become undroppable this season, though Ten Hag knows he needs more strength in depth.
There’s also much to ponder in United’s goalkeeper department. David De Gea is in the final year of his contract and could be allowed to depart. As such, Sunday’s Transfer Gossip claims the Red Devils are eyeing a £50m raid for a Premier League goalkeeper.
Before that, however, Ten Hag may need to address his attacking options.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future continues to dominate column inches. Furthermore, reports on Sunday claim Ronaldo may already have played his final match for the club with exit rumours gathering pace.
And while Ronaldo has only scored three times this season, his is a presence in the side that will need replacing.
To that end, Ten Hag is reportedly casting his eyes towards Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Chopou-Moting as a short-term replacement.
The Cameroon star is out of contract next summer and may be available on a cut-price deal.
That said, the star has made clear his wish to extend his stay. With 11 goals in 16 appearances this season, the 33-year-old has become a trusted source of goals this season.
Now, according to Cadena Ser, United are plotting a move to sign Joao Felix in the January window.
The Portuguese star moved to Atletico Madrid for a whopping £113m in 2019. As the Rojiblancos’ record signing, the 23-year-old has scored 33 times in 129 appearances.
However, he has fallen in and out of favour under coach Diego Simeone, making more appearances off the bench than starts this season.
Felix is no stranger to links with United. He has persistently been mentioned as a potential target in recent years, with Atletico reportedly placing a £85m asking price on his head in the summer.
However, reports claim his valuation has dropped dramatically in the intervening months. Still contracted to 2026, it’s claimed the Spanish giants are now demanding just £52m (€60m) for his signature.
That has led to suggestions that PSG are readying a move ahead of the January window.
However, Cadena Ser believes United are also contemplating an offer to beat PSG to his signature.
The LaLiga giants are seemingly ready to sell one big name when the window opens after seeing their income badly hit. And their failure to reach the Champions League knockout stages is a further blow to their finances. In fact, Simeone’s side finished bottom of Group B with just five points and one win from their six games played.
And without even Europa League football to fall back on, a major sale appears to be on the cards.
At £52m, should the deal get done for that price, would represent an astute piece of business. While not an out and out No 9, Felix would prove a fluid addition to Ten Hag’s attack and provide the United boss with another quality option.
